BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Transportation Authority Board on Thursday approved a $33.2 million contract for the I-695 Repairs and Rehabilitation project at Sparrows Point near Bear Creek in Baltimore County. Expected to begin major construction early in 2024, this system preservation project is necessary to address settlement of I-695 that has occurred since it was widened to a multi-lane, median-divided highway in the 1990s. Additional work also will be completed to rehabilitate and enhance the safety of I-695 in this area. Construction is expected to be complete in summer/fall 2025.

The project spans nearly three miles along the Baltimore Beltway, from the Broening Highway interchange (Exit 44) to just west of the MD 151 North Point Boulevard interchange (Exit 42). Throughout construction, I-695 will remain open with at least one lane of traffic in each direction maintained at all times. However, drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and should expect 5- to 10-minute delays during morning and afternoon rush hours.

The MDTA has designed the project in phases, with simultaneous work occurring to help minimize the impact to our motorists and local communities and businesses. To accommodate simultaneous work, drivers should expect contraflow traffic conditions across Bear Creek: one side of the bridge will be closed to traffic, while the other side will have one lane open in each direction. Additionally, detours will be in effect during the second and third phases of the project, when the I-695 inner loop ramp to MD 157/MD 158, then the MD 158 ramp to I-695 outer loop, respectively, will be closed.

The MDTA will hold two Informational Open Houses in November for the public to learn more about this project. At these meetings, there will be no formal presentations. Staff will be available to answer questions about the displays and the project. The following are the dates and times:

• Thursday, November 9, 6-8 p.m.
  Fleming Senior Center
  641 Main St.
  Dundalk, MD 21222
• Wednesday, November 15, 6-8 p.m.
  Wells McComas VFW
  6521 North Point Road
  Sparrows Point, MD 21219

Those wishing to attend and requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or seeking translation services (free of charge), may contact the agency’s Title VI Officer at [email protected] or at 410-537-6720 (711 for Maryland Relay) no later than 10 business days before the open house they would like to attend.

The MDTA Board approved The Six-M Company Inc. for the construction services contract. The contract involves construction of a structurally supported concrete slab to replace a section of pavement and prevent future settlement of the roadway near the MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway) underpass; repair of backwalls, approaches, and miscellaneous superstructure repairs at six bridges crossing Bear Creek, MD 157 and the Tradepoint Atlantic Railroad; pavement patching; traffic barrier replacement; and drainage repairs.

Additional information on the project and on the open house materials is available online here.

Photo via Pixabay